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| Sunday, 26 October 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Consolidate investments : EAP Group to enter banking sector The EAP Edirisinghe Group of Companies is planning to establish a bank to consolidate its investments.
The initial discussions were held early this month between the Chairperson of the Group Soma Edirisinghe and the Director Board, which include her three sons and daughter. Edirisinghe said: "We want to have a bank; this is my immediate plan as far as my businesses are concerned. This will help us consolidate our investments. The idea is still at the initial discussion stage. "I have no intention of venturing into the newspaper business in the near future as speculated by some people, but I cannot predict the future." The group is engaged in the film and entertainment industry, financial services, jewellery, hospitality trade, filling stations, Swarnavahini and ETV, broadcasting services, exports, information technology as well as pharmaceuticals. Chairperson With the demise of her husband, the successful entrepreneur cum film producer E.A.P. Edirisinghe, in early 1987, Ms Edirisinghe had not only to take care of her four children all by herself, but take the reigns of the businesses and take it to greater strides. "I felt lonely, but continued because of my children. I had to balance motherhood as well as the challenges of being a successful businesswoman. Today, after 16 years, when I sit back and think, I am really happy because I have developed the businesses to such an extent that we have spread our wings to many sectors." Film producer She has produced 20 films while two new films are being produced at present. "I do films with different directors," she said. She had been involved with the film industry ever since she got married way back in 1960. Lionism Edirisinghe was elected District Governor of the International Association of Lions Clubs District 306C at its annual convention held recently. Her theme for 2003/2004 is 'Greater strides to develop our nation'. Housing project Under this, she has already commenced a housing project in Ratnapura with the help of Minister of Small Holder Development Susantha Punchinilame. "We are planning to build 110 houses in the village of Goluvavila within 100 days if rain gods permit," she said. "We have already completed 30 houses and are getting all the support and encouragement of Zone Chairman, Lions Club Ratnapura, Gamini Ratnasekera and his team". She has held many positions in the Lion's Club prior to being appointed District Governor, including the first woman president in 1994/95, and won the most outstanding club award the same year. She was also the first woman secretary of the club and treasurer, winning the awards for best secretary and best treasurer in the district. 'Sunhinda' Her dream project 'Sunhinda', an elders' home, was inaugurated in June 2002 at a cost of Rs 25 million. It provides 60 men and women with basic facilities such as food, clothing and shelter as well as love and care. In recognition of her services to Lionism in Sri Lanka, she was presented with several awards, among them are the Lion of the Year for four years, the 100 percent Club President's Award, the Top Ten Lion Lady Appreciation Award, several District Governor Awards as well as seven International Presidents Awards. Speaking of her involvement with Lionism, she said: "My husband was a charter member of the Lions movement and I joined the Lions Club of Thimbirigasyaya in 1974 for the sake of joining. However, I later became very involved in its activities because I understood the value of the movement and what it can do to uplift the social system". Time Management "From morning till six pm, I am involved with my business work, but after that, my time is devoted to Lionism, which is my hobby. I get up early in the morning and make the maximum use of the day. I also enjoy the time I spend with my eight grandchildren," Edirisinghe said. |
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